Italy back on 8m

 Italian radio amateurs have again been granted access to the 8m band. It is a real pity that in the UK the RSGB (or parts of it?) seem so against 8m when all we need is a 5kHz sliver, non-interference, narrow digital only, when several EU administrations have granted access. Also, judging by the I&T licences, I do not think OFCOM is anti, just the RSGB.

Petition the RSGB - 5kHz wide only, narrow digital only, strictly non-interference, NoV required.

Italian obesity

After WW2 Italy was praised for its healthy diet and was the model of the world for its Mediterranean diet and very low rate of heart disease.

These days have gone and many Italian children are obese.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c33y3151vydo

Italy legally on 8m

It has come to my attention that Italian amateurs (for a limited time) have amateur access to 40.66-40.70MHz. 

This will be interesting when F2 propagation really kicks in. They are far enough south to catch some TEP and I expect they will have QSOs with the Caribbean.

What I do not know is do other administrations allow similar access? 

As I keep saying, just 5kHz, a low ERP, no SSB, narrow digital modes only, limited time, strictly no interference, by NoV or equivalent, would allow widespread free propagation research. Personally I cannot see the issue when 40.66-40.70 MHz is already allocated to ISM, licence free gadgets. 

Is the problem that people in many PTTs are ignorant and stupid? Or is it just the military trying to keep the spectrum as clear as they can "just in case". Also most PTTs see only hassle and no money.

Now and the coming months are the best times for 8m propagation research.

Perugia, Italy

 

My son and grandson are visiting friends in Italy. Here they are enjoying a rather small water melon!

Perugia is near Assisi.

Italy holiday - NOT amateur radio

It seems amazing that it is a week since we got back from our Italian adventure. The map shows where we went. We saw some amazing places and the holiday was very enjoyable. This was our third holiday with Saga. I can really recommend them.

Italian Supermarket - NOT amateur radio

Whilst in Italy we went to a local supermarket. These are the same in most countries but what they sell sometimes depends on local conditions.

Vesuvius - NOT amateur radio

Periodically, this Italian volcano erupts. When it does, as in AD79, the results can be devastating.  Today it broods menacingly. Millions live nearby playing Russian roulette.

Anagni, Italy - NOT amateur radio

Local cheese and coldmeats

We visited this hilltop town this morning. At one time it was the place where popes came to in high summer to avoid the oppressive heat in Rome.

It was market day so there were stalls a various places along the main medieval street. It had a nice atmosphere: local out enjoying the market.

We also had a decent coffee for just 1 euro each.

Italian Blog - NOT amateur radio

It is surprising how soon one forgets a holiday, so I am keeping a blog so I can recall things more easily in years to come. It is mainly for family but you are welcome to look as it is public for those with the link.

See https://italy2017rl.blogspot.it/

Siena, Italy - NOT amateur radio

This is the famous Il Campo square in Siena, Italy. We visited here yesterday.